Digital video disc, its recording and reproducing methods, and related encoder and decoder using the same

ABSTRACT

At least one musical composition is transmitted via a digital video disc together with bonus information relating to the musical composition and an approved interactive data required when a user accesses the bonus information. An arbitrary interactive data is entered by the user accessing the bonus information. The transmitted musical composition is reproducible regardless of the entered interactive data. However, a reproduction of the bonus information is allowed only when the entered interactive data agrees with the approved interactive data.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a DVD (i.e., digital video disc,digital versatile disc), its recording and reproducing methods, andrelated encoding and decoding apparatuses using the DVD.

[0002] The DVD has a large capacity compared with a CD (i.e., compactdisc), and is preferably used as an audio disc for recording andreproducing musical data.

[0003] The DVD has a capability of performing a high-density recording.This provides a surplus recording time. Effectively using the surplusrecording time is important when the DVD is used as a musical recordingmedium. For example, the DVD can be a multipurpose musical sourcecapable of providing various options, such as taped accompaniments andBGM (i.e., background music) sounds, in addition to the playback oforiginal musical compositions. This will broaden the enjoyment of eachDVD user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a DVD allowingusers to enjoy the playback of the DVD in various ways or allowing adisc producer to utilize the same disc by different methods.Furthermore, the present invention provides recording and reproducingmethods for recording and reproducing audio-related data to and from theDVD, and a related encoding apparatus and a decoding apparatus using theDVD.

[0005] In order to accomplish the above and other related objects, afirst aspect of the present invention provides a method for recordingand reproducing audio-related data to or from a digital video disc,comprising the following steps. In a first step, at least one musicalcomposition is transmitted via a digital video disc together with bonusinformation relating to the musical composition and an approvedinteractive data required when a user accesses the bonus information. Ina second step, an arbitrary interactive data is entered by the useraccessing the bonus information. And, in a third step, the transmittedmusical composition is reproduced regardless of the entered interactivedata, while a reproduction of the bonus information is allowed only whenthe entered interactive data agrees with the approved interactive data.

[0006] A second aspect of the present invention provides an encodingapparatus for a digital video disc comprising an A/D conversion meansfor converting audio analog signals of at least one musical compositioninto a digital form and producing a digital data stream, and a recordingmeans for recording the digital data stream on a digital video disctogether with bonus information relating to the musical composition andan approved interactive data required when a user accesses the bonusinformation.

[0007] A third aspect of the present invention provides a digital videodisc comprising a first recording portion for storing a digital datastream obtained by A/D converting audio analog signals of at least onemusical composition, a second recording portion for storing bonusinformation relating to the musical composition, and a third recordingportion for storing an approved interactive data required when a useraccesses the bonus information.

[0008] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a decodingapparatus for a digital video disc which stores a digital data streamobtained by A/D converting audio analog signals of at least one musicalcomposition, bonus information relating to the musical composition, andan approved interactive data required when a user accesses the bonusinformation. The decoding apparatus comprising an input means forreceiving an arbitrary interactive data entered by the user accessingthe bonus information, and a reproducing means for reproducing themusical composition regardless of the entered interactive data andallowing a reproduction of the bonus information only when the enteredinteractive data agrees with the approved interactive data.

[0009] A fifth aspect of the present invention provides a method forrecording and reproducing audio-related data to and from a digital videodisc comprising the following steps. In a first step, at least onemusical composition is transmitted via a digital video disc togetherwith a program for reproducing one of musical composition groups and anapproved interactive data required when a user accesses a specificmusical composition group. In a second step, an arbitrary interactivedata is entered by the user accessing the specific musical compositiongroup. And, in a third step, a reproduction of the specific musicalcomposition group is allowed only when the entered interactive dataagrees with the approved interactive data.

[0010] A sixth aspect of the present invention provides an encodingapparatus for a digital video disc comprising an A/D conversion meansfor converting audio analog signals of at least one musical compositioninto a digital form and producing a digital data stream, and a recordingmeans for recording the digital data stream on a digital video disctogether with a program for reproducing one of musical compositiongroups and an approved interactive data required when a user accesses aspecific musical composition group.

[0011] A seventh aspect of the present invention provides a digitalvideo disc comprising a first recording portion for storing a digitaldata stream obtained by A/D converting audio analog signals of at leastone musical composition, a second recording portion for storing aprogram for reproducing one of musical composition groups, and a thirdrecording portion for storing an approved interactive data required whena user accesses a specific musical composition group.

[0012] An eighth aspect of the present invention provides a decodingapparatus for a digital video disc which stores a digital data streamobtained by A/D converting audio analog signals of at least one musicalcomposition, a program for reproducing one of musical compositiongroups, and an approved interactive data required when a user accesses aspecific musical composition group, The decoding apparatus comprises aninput means for receiving an arbitrary interactive data entered by theuser accessing the specific musical composition group, and a reproducingmeans for reproducing the specific musical composition group only whenthe entered interactive data agrees with the approved interactive data.

[0013] A ninth aspect of the present invention provides an encodingapparatus for a digital video disc comprising an A/D converter forconverting audio analog signals of at least one musical composition intoa digital form by sampling the audio analog signals at a predeterminedsampling frequency to produce a digital data stream. A signal processingcircuit processes the digital data stream to produce a user data pack.An encoding circuit receives the user data pack together with bonusinformation relating to the musical composition and an approvedinteractive data required when a user accesses the bonus information andproducing audio and video data. A modulating circuit modulates the audioand video data according to a modulation procedure suitable for the typeof a digital video disc on which the audio and video data are recorded.

[0014] A tenth aspect of the present invention provides a decodingapparatus for a digital video disc which stores a digital data streamobtained by A/D converting audio analog signals of at least one musicalcomposition, bonus information relating to the musical composition, andan approved interactive data required when a user accesses the bonusinformation. The decoding apparatus comprises a judging means forjudging whether or not an arbitrary interactive data entered by the useragrees with the approved interactive data. A modulation circuitdemodulates received signals in compliance with a demodulation proceduresuitable for the digital video disc. A decoding circuit separates thedemodulated signal into audio and video packing data of the musicalcomposition and the bonus information. A reproduction control means isprovided for reproducing audio and video data of the musical compositionfrom the decoding circuit regardless of the entered interactive data andfor allowing a reproduction of the bonus information in response to ajudgement result of the judging means only when the entered interactivedata agrees with the approved interactive data.

[0015] Preferably, the musical composition is a main source to berecorded on or reproduced from the digital video disc. At least oneoptional source is selectable from the group consisting of tapedaccompaniments, BGM sounds, MIDI codes, and inquiries (e.g., quiz).

[0016] Preferably, the bonus information is a program for reproducingone of musical composition groups and the approved interactive data isrequired when the user accesses a specific musical composition group.

[0017] Preferably, the approved interactive data is a passwordobtainable by paying for it or by answering a given inquiry.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The above and other objects, features and advantages of thepresent invention will become more apparent from the following detaileddescription which is to be read in conjunction with the attacheddrawings, in which:

[0019]FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an encoding apparatus for a DVDin accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0020]FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a detailed arrangement of asignal processing circuit shown in FIG. 1;

[0021]FIG. 3 is a graph illustrating A/D converted data streams inrelation to sampling intervals of an A/D converter shown in FIG. 1;

[0022]FIG. 4 is a view showing a data format of user data processed bythe signal processing circuit shown in FIG. 2;

[0023]FIG. 5 is a view showing a data format of an audio pack or a videopack formatted by a DVD encoding circuit shown in FIG. 1;

[0024]FIGS. 6A and 6B are views showing a DVD-video data format and aDVD-audio data format formatted by the DVD encoding circuit shown inFIG. 1;

[0025]FIG. 7 is a view showing a detailed arrangement of ACBU (i.e.,audio contents block unit) shown in FIG. 6B;

[0026]FIG. 8 is a view showing a detailed arrangement of A-CONT (i.e.,audio control) pack shown in FIG. 7;

[0027]FIG. 9 is a view showing a detailed arrangement of ASD (i.e.,audio search data) in the A-CONT pack shown in FIG. 8;

[0028]FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a decoding apparatus for theDVD in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0029]FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a detailed arrangement of asignal processing circuit shown in FIG. 10;

[0030]FIG. 12 is a graph illustrating the interpolation processingperformed in the signal processing circuit shown in FIG. 11;

[0031]FIG. 13 is a flowchart explaining the playback processingperformed in a control section shown in FIG. 10;

[0032]FIG. 14 is a view showing an example of bonus information areas;and

[0033]FIG. 15 is a view showing another example of bonus informationareas.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0034] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention willbe explained with reference to the attached drawings. Identical partsare denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the views.

[0035]FIG. 1 shows an arrangement of an encoding apparatus having aninput terminal IN. An audio analog signal, entered from the inputterminal IN, is supplied to an A/D converter 31. The A/D converter 31performs a sampling operation of the audio analog signals at apredetermined sampling frequency (corresponding to a predeterminedsampling interval Δt shown in FIG. 3). For example, the samplingoperation can produce a high-resolution PCM (i.e., pulse codemodulation) signal of 24 bits at a sampling frequency of 192 kHz

[0036]FIG. 3 shows a data stream (xbi, x2i-1, xai, x2i) consisting ofsampled data xb1, x1, xa1, x2, xb2, x3, xa2, ----, xbi, x2i-1, xai, x2i,---- obtained from a given curve α.

[0037] The obtained data stream (xbi, x2i-1, xai, x2i) is processed by asignal processing circuit 32 associated with a memory 33. The memory 33is a buffer memory used when the audio data are encoded and isfunctional as a calculation memory or its auxiliary memory (e.g.,settings of coefficients).

[0038] The output of the signal processing circuit 32 is supplied to aDVD encoding circuit 34. The DVD encoding circuit 34 produces a packingof the audio and video DVD data according to predetermined DVD dataformats. The packing data is directly output from an output terminal OUT1, or modulated by a modulation circuit 35 according to a modulationprocedure suitable for the type of DVD and output from another outputterminal OUT2.

[0039]FIG. 2 shows a detailed arrangement of the signal processingcircuit 32. A low-pass filter 36 is, for example, an FIR (i.e., finiteimpulse response) filter that allows the data to pass a ½ band. Thelow-pass filter 36 inputs the data stream (xbi, x2i-1, xai, x2i)corresponding to the curve α and produces a data stream (xci, *, *, *)consisting of band-limited data xc1, *, *, *, xc2, *, *, *, xc3, *, *,*, ------ xci, *, *, *, ----- corresponding to a curve β.

[0040] The band-limited data of the curve P are then entered into athinning-out (i.e., decimating) circuit 37. The thinning-out circuit 37performs a thinning (i.e., decimating) operation and produces a datastream (xci) consisting of thinned-out (i.e., decimated) data xc1, xc2,xc3,---, xci,---, as a result of the thinning operation for removing allof the data “*”.

[0041] The data stream (xci) is a data stream of sampling data obtainedas a result of a sampling operation performed at a ¼ sampling frequencyon the digital data converted by the A/D converter 31.

[0042] Another thinning-out circuit 38 inputs the data stream (xbi,x2i-1, xai, x2i) corresponding to the curve α and produces a data stream(xbi, xa1) consisting of thinned-out data xb1, xa1, xb2, xa2,-----, xbi,xai,----, as a result of the thing operation for removing all of thedata “xi”.

[0043] An adder 39, serving as a differential calculator, obtains thefollowing differences based on the obtained data streams xci, xbi andxai.

[0044] xb1−xci=Δ1i

[0045] xai−xci=Δ2i

[0046] The calculated differential data Δ1i and Δ2i are equal to or lessthan 24 bits. The bit number is either a fixed value or a variablevalue.

[0047] An allocation circuit 40 receives the data stream xci and thedifferential data Δ1i and Δ2i to produce a user data pack in apredetermined format shown in FIG. 4 (1 packet 2,034 bytes). The userdata pack is sent to the DVD encoding circuit 34.

[0048] The DVD encoding circuit 34 produces an audio pack (or a videopack) including a pack header of 14 bytes in addition to one packet ofthe user data (=2,034 bytes). As shown in FIG. 5, the pack headerincludes a pack start information area of 4 bytes, an SCR (i.e., systemclock reference) information area of 6 bytes, a Mux (i.e., multiplex)rate information area of 3 bytes, and a stuffing information area of 1byte. Thus, one audio (or video) pack consists of a total of 2,048bytes. The audio pack includes the audio data in its user data area,while the video pack includes related video data in its user data area.

[0049] In this case, the SCR information serves as a time stamp. The SCRis “1” in a head pack of an ACB (i.e., audio contents block) unit andcontinuous in the same album. This makes it possible to administrate thetime of each audio pack in the same album. Furthermore, it is possibleto use the SCR information for numbering a plurality of audio packgroups.

[0050] The DVD encoding circuit 34 produces packing data of a mainsource of musical compositions to be recorded on the DVD, as well aspacking data of taped accompaniments (i.e., so-called KARAOKE, audio andvideo signals), BGM sounds (audio signals), MIDI codes (data), and quizinformation (data).

[0051]FIG. 6A shows a pack format used for recording the DVD-video dataon the DVD. FIG. 6B is a pack format used for recording the DVD-audiodata on the DVD. The DVD-audio data format of FIG. 6B is compatible withthe DVD-video data format of FIG. 6A, although they use different areanames. For example, the DVD-video data format of FIG. 6A comprises a VMG(i.e., video manager) area at a head thereof and a plurality of VTS(i.e., video title set) areas succeeding the VMG area. On the otherhand, the DVD-audio data format of FIG. 6B comprises an AMG (i.e., audiomanager) area at a head thereof and a plurality of AAS (i.e., audioalbum set) areas succeeding the AMG area, as counterparts of the VMG andVTS area of the DVD-video data format.

[0052] The VTS area comprises a leading VTSI (i.e., VTS information)area located at a head thereof, at least one VCBS (i.e., video contentsblock set) area succeeding the leading VTSI area, and a trailing VTSIarea located at the last position. Similarly, the AAS area comprises aleading AASI (i.e., AAS information) area located at a head thereof, atleast one ACBS (i.e., audio contends block set) area succeeding theleading AASI area, and a trailing AASI area located at the lastposition. The AASI information includes actual performance times ofrespective musical compositions stored in the ACBS area.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 6A, each VCBS area includes a plurality of VCBareas each corresponding to one title of video. Each VCB (i.e., onetitle) area consists of a plurality of chapters. The chapter includesPTT (i.e., part of title). Each chapter consists of a plurality ofcells. Each cell consists of a plurality of VCBU (i.e., VCB unit). EachVCBU consists of a plurality of packs. Each pack is 2,048 bytes. EachVCBU comprises a CONT (i.e., control) pack positioned at a head thereof,a plurality of V (i.e., video), A (i.e., audio) and SP (i.e., subpicture) packs succeeding the CONT pack. The CONT pack includes controlinformation for controlling the succeeding V packs. The user data areaof each V pack stores various video data, including video images of thetaped accompaniments, superimposition data for each taped accompaniment,MIDI codes, and quiz data.

[0054] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6B, each ACBS area includes aplurality of ACB areas each corresponding to one album of audio. EachACB (i.e., one album) area consists of a plurality of tracks. The trackincludes PTA (i.e., part of album). Each track consists of a pluralityof indexes corresponding to the cells of the chapter. Each indexconsists of a plurality of ACBU (i.e., ACB unit). Each ACBU consists ofa plurality of packs. Each pack is 2,048 bytes. Each ACBU comprises anA-CONT (i.e., audio control) pack positioned at a head thereof ThisA-CONT is a counterpart of the CONT pack of the VCBU. A plurality of A(i.e., audio) packs, as well as V (i.e., video) and SP (i.e., subpicture) packs if necessary, succeed the A-CONT pack. FIG. 7 shows adetailed arrangement of the ACBU. The A-CONT pack includesadministration information, such as TOC (i.e., table of contens)information, for administrating audio signals of the succeeding “A”packs. The user data area of each “A” pack stores various audio dataincluding original musical compositions as well as the bonus informationor group information, such as taped accompaniments and BGM sounds.

[0055]FIG. 8 shows a detailed arrangement of the A-CONT pack. The A-CONTpack comprises a pack header of 14 bytes, a system header of 24 bytes,an ACD (i.e., audio character display) packet of 1,003 bytes, and an ASD(i.e., audio search data) packet of 1,007 bytes. The ACD packet consistsof a packet header of 6 bytes, a sub-stream ID of 1 byte, an ACD area of636 bytes, and a hold area of 360 bytes. The ACD area includes audiocharacter display information, an approved password for reproducing thebonus information, and a computer program for reproducing each group ofthe musical compositions. The hold area can be used as a spare area forstoring the password and the computer program. Similarly, the ASD packetconsists of a packet header of 6 bytes, a sub-stream ID of 1 byte, andan ASD (i.e., audio search data) area of 1,000 bytes.

[0056]FIG. 9 shows a detailed arrangement of ASD storing variousinformation. More specifically, the ASD includes a general informationarea of 16 bytes, a present number information area of 8 bytes, apresent time information area of 16 bytes, an album set searchinformation area of 8 bytes, an album search information area of 8bytes, a track search information area of 404 bytes, an index searchinformation area of 408 bytes, a highlight search information area of 80bytes, and a hold area of 52 bytes. The highlight search information isrequired to search the bonus information.

[0057] According to the above-described data format of the preferredembodiment, an arbitrary “A” pack can store the audio signals of anoriginal musical composition. An adjacent “A” pack may store the bonusinformation relating to the original musical composition, such asoptional music signals of the corresponding taped accompaniments. Anadjacent “V” pack may store superimposition data for the tapedaccompaniments. Furthermore, another adjacent “A” pack may store BGMsound signals or rehearsal voice data. Another adjacent “V” pack maystore MIDI codes of the original musical compositions.

[0058] For each user purchasing this DVD, reproducing the originalmusical composition is free of charge. However, when the user desires toreproduce any bonus information other than the original musicalcomposition, the user must enter a right or registered password and payfor it.

[0059] According to another possible method for utilizing this DVD, aquiz program (free of charge) can be stored. The quiz is displayed at adecoder. When a right answer is entered, each user is allowed toreproduce the bonus information. Alternatively, the musical compositionscan be divided into a plurality of groups. The A-CONT pack stores areproduction program for reproducing each music composition group. Eachuser enters a designated password to reproduce a preferable musicalcomposition group.

[0060] Next, a detailed arrangement of a decoding apparatus will beexplained with reference to FIG. 10. The decoding apparatus comprises aninput terminal 41 a for receiving signals read from the DVD. Ademodulating circuit 41 demodulates the received signals in compliancewith a demodulation procedure corresponding to the modulation procedureat the modulation circuit 35 of the encoding apparatus. Each demodulatedsignal enters in a DVD decoding circuit 42. The DVD decoding circuit 42separates the demodulated signal into an A-CONT pack, or a CONT pack,and a predetermined number of “A” and “V” packs. The “A” pack storesuser data (i.e., data stream xci and differential data Δ1i and Δ2i) thatare supplied to a bit-stream output terminal 52 via a switch 51 and alsosupplied to a signal processing circuit 43. The signal processingcircuit 43 is associated with a memory 44. The memory 44 is a buffermemory used when the audio data are decoded and is functional as acalculation memory or its auxiliary memory.

[0061]FIG. 11 shows a detailed arrangement of the signal processingcircuit 43. The video data stored in the “V” pack are supplied to avideo processor 48 of the signal processing circuit 43 and then sent toan external display unit (not shown) via a video output terminal 64.Furthermore, the MIDI codes stored in the “V” pack are supplied to aMIDI processor 49 a of the signal processing circuit 43 and then sent toan external electronic musical instrument (e.g., a synthesizer) via aMIDI output terminal 65.

[0062] The signal processing circuit 43 comprises an adder 46 thatperforms the following calculations to restore the data streams xbi andxbi.

[0063] Δ1i+xci=xbi

[0064] Δ2i+xci=xai

[0065] The restored data streams xbi and xbi, being the same 24 bits asthe original ones, are then supplied to an interpolation processingcircuit 47. FIG. 12 shows the interpolation processing performed by theinterpolation processing circuit 47, according to which the data streamxi is interpolated by using a plurality of data of the data streams xaiand xbi.

[0066] The interpolation processing circuit 47 may use an up-samplingmethod to obtain the interpolated data stream xi. Alternatively, theinterpolated data stream xi can be obtained by using a curve fitting ora predictive approximation. In this case, transmitting additional andsupplemental data is effective to increase the accuracy in the curvefitting or predictive approximation.

[0067] The data, obtained through this interpolation, are rearranged inthe following manner.

[0068] xb1, x1, xa1, x2, xb2, x3, xa2, ------, xbi, x2i-1, xai,x2i,------

[0069] The rearranged data are supplied to a D/A converter 45 shown inFIG. 10 and also to an LPF (i.e., low-pass filter) 56.

[0070] The D/A converter 45 converts the received data into an analogsignal according to a quantized bit number (i.e., 24 bits) of theencoding apparatus. In short, the data stream (xbi, x2i-1, xai, x2i) isconverted into an audio analog signal at a sampling frequency of 192kHz. The analog audio signal is output through an analog output terminal55. Furthermore, the LPF 56 limits the input data into a ¼ band (i.e.,48 kHz). The band-limited data, in the digital form, are output from anoutput terminal 53.

[0071] According to this embodiment, the bit stream (i.e., data streamxci and differential data Δ1i and Δ2i) transmitted via a recordingmedium can be directly output through the switch 51 and the bit-streamoutput terminal 52. Furthermore, the decoding apparatus comprises adeciphering section 50 that receives a password entered by a user froman input terminal 49. The input terminal 49 serves as a terminal forgenerating a copy (recording) allowance signal, as well as a terminalfor inputting the password. The deciphering section 50 on-and-offcontrols the switch 51 based on the entered password and copyrightsinformation stored in a sub header. The deciphering section 50 has anauthentication function for judging whether or not the entered passwordis correct.

[0072] When the password is entered, the deciphering section 50 performsthe authentication processing. When the password is correct, thedeciphering section 50 checks the copy allowance conditions, such as anamount and a way of payment, referring to the copyrights informationstored in the sub header. When the copy allowance conditions are allestablished, the deciphering section 50 closes the switch 51 to permitthe user to copy the bit stream data.

[0073] Furthermore, the decoding apparatus comprises an operatingsection 62, such as a keyboard of a computer. The operating section 62is connected to a control section 63. The operating section 62 allowsthe user to enter an interactive input signal for designating a portionto be reproduced, and allows the user to enter an answer of the quizdisplayed on a display section 61. The operating section 62 can be usedas the input terminal for entering the password. The display section 61is connected to the control section 63. In this case, the band pass canbe arbitrarily limited. Furthermore, it is possible to select adesirable scene with its sounds and images to realize a storied (orhighlighted) reproduction.

[0074]FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a reproduction processing performedin the control section 63. In a step S1, it is checked whether or not abonus computer program is selected. When no bonus computer program isselected (i.e., NO in step S1), the control flow proceeds to a step S5.When the bonus computer program is selected (i.e., YES in step S1), thecontrol flow proceeds to a step S2 to check whether or not any passwordis entered by the user. The processing of step S2 is repeated until anypassword is entered (i.e., NO in step S2). When the user enters anarbitrary password (i.e., YES in step S2), the control flow proceeds toa step S3 to check whether or not the entered password agrees with theapproved or registered password. When the password is correct (i.e., YESin step S3), the control flow proceeds to a step S4 to select thedesignated bonus computer program. A loading of the bonus computerprogram is allowed. Then, the control flow proceeds to the step S5. Onthe other hand, when the password is incorrect (i.e., NO in step S3),the control flow skips the step S4 and proceeds to the step S5 toperform the reproduction of the DVD according to the instruction.

[0075] The bonus information pack can be disposed in a mixedrelationship with the “A” pack storing the original musical composition.Alternatively, it is possible to record the bonus information onspecific tracks of the DVD.

[0076] As another embodiment, a program may set a valid term limitingthe use of the disc. In this case, it is preferable that the users canhave a chance to use the disc even after the valid term expires. Torealize this, each user can be allowed to extend the valid term byentering a password. In response to the entry of the password, a bonusprogram effecting the extension of the valid term is selected. To storethe entered password, the deciphering section 50 may have a nonvolatilememory capable of storing the password until the extended valid termexpires. The user can repetitively access the disc information withoutentering the password.

[0077]FIG. 14 shows an example of bonus information areas allocated onspecific tracks of the DVD. More specifically, a first read-in area 7 a,a first data area 7 b, a first read-out area 7 c, a second read-in area7 d, a second data area 7 e, and a second read-out area 7 f are locatedfrom a radially inward end to a radially outward end. The first dataarea 7 b and the second data area 7 e are separated into main datatracks and bonus information tracks, respectively.

[0078] In this case, the bonus information tracks can be accessed onlywhen the reproduction allowance conditions are all established. Forexample, the reproduction allowance conditions can be established whenthe entered password is correct or when a right answer is entered inresponse to the quiz provided from the computer program. Alternatively,it is possible to perform the reproduction based on the highlight searchinformation stored in the ASD shown in FIG. 9.

[0079]FIG. 15 shows another example of bonus information areas,according to which only one read-in area 7 a is provided and the dataarea 7 b is dedicated to the computer program including the bonusinformation areas.

[0080] The DVD used in the present invention is not limited to asingle-layered DVD. The present invention can be applicable to a DVDhaving two-layered or double-sided data layers.

[0081] As explained in the foregoing description, the preferredembodiment of the present invention includes the software classified inthe following categories. A bonus information (i.e., bonus musicalcompositions) B another-purpose program (e.g., taped accompanimentsreproduction program) C bonus program

[0082] The programs B and C are stored in the following areas. a A-CONTpack b program area, such as first data area 7b

[0083] The following is a possible ten combinations of the program(s)and the recording area.  1 A + a Only one program is available, and thebonus information “A” is reproducible by paying for it or by answering aquiz.  2 A + b Only one program is available, and the bonus information“A” is reproducible by paying for it or by answering a quiz.  3 B + aTwo or more programs are available, and one of them is selectable anduseable as another disc software, such as taped accompaniments.  4 B + bTwo or more programs are included, and a selected program is availableas another disc software.  5 A + B + a Two or more programs are storedin the A-CONT pack, and a selected program is available as another discsoftware. The bonus information “A” is reproducible by paying for it orby answering a quiz.  6 A + B + b Two or more programs are stored in theprogram area, and a selected program is available as another discsoftware. The bonus information “A” is reproducible by paying for it orby answering a quiz.  7 C + a Only one program is available as a basicprogram, although a bonus program is selectable as an option and usableas another disc software. Refer to FIG. 13.  8 C + b Only one program isavailable as a basic program, although a bonus program is selectable asan option and usable as another disc software. Refer to FIG. 13.  9 A +C + a Only one program is stored in the A-CONT pack as an availablebasic program, although a bonus program is selectable as an option andusable as another disc software. The bonus information “A” isreproducible by paying for it or by answering a quiz. 10 A + C + b Onlyone program is stored in the program area as an available basic program,although a bonus program is selectable as an option and usable asanother disc software. The bonus information “A” is reproducible bypaying for it or by answering a quiz. Refer to FIG. 14.

[0084] This invention may be embodied in several forms without departingfrom the spirit of essential characteristics thereof. The presentembodiments as described are therefore intended to be only illustrativeand not restrictive, since the scope of the invention is defined by theappended claims rather than by the description preceding them. Allchanges that fall within the metes and bounds of the claims, orequivalents of such metes and bounds, are therefore intended to beembraced by the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for recording and reproducingaudio-related data to or from a digital video disc, comprising the stepsof: transmitting at least one musical composition via a digital videodisc, together with bonus information relating to said musicalcomposition and an approved interactive data required when a useraccesses said bonus information; receiving an arbitrary interactive dataentered by the user accessing said bonus information; and reproducingthe transmitted musical composition regardless of said enteredinteractive data, and allowing a reproduction of said bonus informationonly when said entered interactive data agrees with said approvedinteractive data.
 2. The recording and reproducing method in accordancewith claim 1, wherein said musical composition is a main source to berecorded on or reproduced from the digital video disc, and at least oneoptional source is selectable from the group consisting of tapedaccompaniments, BGM sounds, MIDI codes, and inquiries.
 3. The recordingand reproducing method in accordance with claim 1, wherein said approvedinteractive data is a password.
 4. The recording and reproducing methodin accordance with claim 1, wherein said approved interactive data isobtainable by paying for it.
 5. The recording and reproducing method inaccordance with claim 1, wherein said approved interactive data isobtainable by answering a given inquiry.
 6. An encoding apparatus for adigital video disc comprising: an A/D conversion means for convertingaudio analog signals of at least one musical composition into a digitalform and producing a digital data stream; and a recording means forrecording said digital data stream on a digital video disc together withbonus information relating to said musical composition and an approvedinteractive data required when a user accesses said bonus information.7. The encoding apparatus in accordance with claim 6, wherein saidmusical composition is a main source to be recorded on the digital videodisc, and at least one optional source is selectable from the groupconsisting of taped accompaniments, BGM sounds, MIDI codes, and inquiry.8. The encoding apparatus in accordance with claim 6, wherein saidapproved interactive data is a password.
 9. The encoding apparatus inaccordance with claim 6, wherein said approved interactive data isobtainable by paying for it.
 10. The encoding apparatus in accordancewith claim 6, wherein said approved interactive data is obtainable byanswering a given inquiry.
 11. A digital video disc comprising: a firstrecording portion for storing a digital data stream obtained by A/Dconverting audio analog signals of at least one musical composition; asecond recording portion for storing bonus information relating to saidmusical composition; and a third recording portion for storing anapproved interactive data required when a user accesses said bonusinformation.
 12. The digital video disc in accordance with claim 11,wherein said musical composition is a main source, and at least oneoptional source is selectable from the group consisting of tapedaccompaniments, BGM sounds, MIDI codes, and inquiries.
 13. The digitalvideo disc in accordance with claim 11, wherein said approvedinteractive data is a password.
 14. The digital video disc in accordancewith claim 11, wherein said approved interactive data is obtainable bypaying for it.
 15. The digital video disc in accordance with claim 11,wherein said approved interactive data is obtainable by answering agiven inquiry.
 16. A decoding apparatus for a digital video disc whichstores a digital data stream obtained by A/D converting audio analogsignals of at least one musical composition, bonus information relatingto said musical composition, and an approved interactive data requiredwhen a user accesses said bonus information, said decoding apparatuscomprising: an input means for receiving an arbitrary interactive dataentered by the user accessing said bonus information; and a reproducingmeans for reproducing said musical composition regardless of saidentered interactive data, and allowing a reproduction of said bonusinformation only when said entered interactive data agrees with saidapproved interactive data.
 17. The decoding apparatus in accordance withclaim 16, wherein said musical composition is a main source to bereproduced from the digital video disc, and at least one optional sourceis selectable from the group consisting of taped accompaniments, BGMsounds, MIDI codes, and inquiries.
 18. The decoding apparatus inaccordance with claim 16, wherein said approved interactive data is apassword.
 19. The decoding apparatus in accordance with claim 16,wherein said approved interactive data is obtainable by paying for it.20. The decoding apparatus in accordance with claim 16, wherein saidapproved interactive data is obtainable by answering a given inquiry.21. A method for recording and reproducing audio-related data to andfrom a digital video disc comprising the steps of: transmitting at leastone musical composition via a digital video disc, together with aprogram for reproducing one of musical composition groups and anapproved interactive data required when a user accesses a specificmusical composition group; receiving an arbitrary interactive dataentered by the user accessing said specific musical composition group;and allowing a reproduction of said specific musical composition grouponly when said entered interactive data agrees with said approvedinteractive data.
 22. An encoding apparatus for a digital video disccomprising: an A/D conversion means for converting audio analog signalsof at least one musical composition into a digital form and producing adigital data stream; and a recording means for recording said digitaldata stream on a digital video disc together with a program forreproducing one of musical composition groups and an approvedinteractive data required when a user accesses a specific musicalcomposition group.
 23. A digital video disc comprising: a firstrecording portion for storing a digital data stream obtained by A/Dconverting audio analog signals of at least one musical composition; asecond recording portion for storing a program for reproducing one ofmusical composition groups; and a third recording portion for storing anapproved interactive data required when a user accesses a specificmusical composition group.
 24. A decoding apparatus for a digital videodisc which stores a digital data stream obtained by A/D converting audioanalog signals of at least one musical composition, a program forreproducing one of musical composition groups, and an approvedinteractive data required when a user accesses a specific musicalcomposition group, said decoding apparatus comprising: an input meansfor receiving an arbitrary interactive data entered by said useraccessing said specific musical composition group; and a reproducingmeans for reproducing said specific musical composition group only whensaid entered interactive data agrees with said approved interactivedata.
 25. An encoding apparatus for a digital video disc comprising: anA/D converter for converting audio analog signals of at least onemusical composition into a digital form by sampling said audio analogsignals at a predetermined sampling frequency and producing a digitaldata stream; a signal processing circuit for processing said digitaldata stream to produce a user data pack; an encoding circuit forreceiving said user data pack together with bonus information relatingto said musical composition and an approved interactive data requiredwhen a user accesses said bonus information, and producing audio andvideo data; and a modulating circuit for modulating said audio and videodata according to a modulation procedure suitable for the type of adigital video disc on which said audio and video data are recorded. 26.The encoding apparatus in accordance with claim 25, wherein saidencoding circuit produces packing data of said musical composition as amain source to be recorded on said digital video disc, as well aspacking data of at least one optional source selected from the groupconsisting of taped accompaniments, BGM sounds, MIDI codes, andinquiries.
 27. The encoding apparatus in accordance with claim 25,wherein said bonus information is a program for reproducing one ofmusical composition groups and said approved interactive data isrequired when the user accesses a specific musical composition group.28. The encoding apparatus in accordance with claim 25, wherein saidapproved interactive data is a password.
 29. The encoding apparatus inaccordance with claim 25, wherein said approved interactive data isobtainable by paying for it.
 30. The encoding apparatus in accordancewith claim 25, wherein said approved interactive data is obtainable byanswering a given inquiry.
 31. A decoding apparatus for a digital videodisc which stores a digital data stream obtained by A/D converting audioanalog signals of at least one musical composition, bonus informationrelating to said musical composition, and an approved interactive datarequired when a user accesses said bonus information, said decodingapparatus comprising: a judging means for judging whether or not anarbitrary interactive data entered by the user agrees with said approvedinteractive data; a modulation circuit for demodulating received signalsin compliance with a demodulation procedure suitable for the digitalvideo disc; a decoding circuit for separating said demodulated signalinto audio and video packing data of said musical composition and saidbonus information; a reproduction control means for reproducing audioand video data of said musical composition from said decoding circuitregardless of said entered interactive data and for allowing areproduction of said bonus information in response to a judgement resultof said judging means only when said entered interactive data agreeswith said approved interactive data.
 32. The decoding apparatus inaccordance with claim 31, wherein said decoding circuit produces packingdata of said musical composition as a main source to be reproduced fromsaid digital video disc, as well as packing data of at least oneoptional source selected from the group consisting of tapedaccompaniments, BGM sounds, MIDI codes, and inquiries.
 33. The decodingapparatus in accordance with claim 31, wherein said bonus information isa program for reproducing one of musical composition groups and saidapproved interactive data is required when the user accesses a specificmusical composition group.
 34. The decoding apparatus in accordance withclaim 31, wherein said approved interactive data is a password.
 35. Thedecoding apparatus in accordance with claim 31, wherein said approvedinteractive data is obtainable by paying for it.
 36. The decodingapparatus in accordance with claim 31, wherein said approved interactivedata is obtainable by answering a given inquiry.